# Oburu Odinga Speaks After Sakaja Joined ODM

- Link: https://steshanews.co.ke/oburu-odinga-speaks-after-sakaja-joined-odm/
- Published: 2026-11-02T15:17:48+00:00
- Author: STESHA

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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga has broken his silence after
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja left the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA)
for the party.

Sakaja was reportedly welcomed by ODM’s top leadership and promised the party’s 
Nairobi gubernatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 General Election. The move is likely
to reshape the political landscape in the capital.

Oburu addressed the development on his official Facebook page, saying he was delighted
to host the governor at his home. “It was a great pleasure hosting Governor Johnson
Sakaja at my home this evening,” he wrote.

He said he was happy to officially welcome Sakaja into the ODM family. “As our party
continues to grow and strengthen its roots, his joining marks a significant and 
welcome step forward for all our new members,” Oburu stated, ending with a warm “
Karibu sana to ODM.”

The governor’s move had been anticipated for months. Sakaja earlier acknowledged
overtures from ODM and cited his close relationship with the late Raila Odinga, 
whom he described as a father figure. Senior ODM figures, including party chairperson
Gladys Wanga and Makadara MP George Aladwa, had publicly urged him to join.

The development is not without tension. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has declared
interest in the Nairobi governorship, has openly criticised Sakaja’s leadership 
and questioned why ODM would hand him its ticket. Other aspirants in the party are
also expected to watch the nomination process closely.

Political analysts say Sakaja’s entry strengthens ODM’s grip on Nairobi, a county
where the party performed strongly in the 2022 elections. It also deals a fresh 
blow to UDA, whose leadership had been losing allies in the run-up to 2027.

For now, Oburu’s message signals a united front at the top. How ODM manages competing
ambitions in Nairobi will be the real test in the months ahead.

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